Bacillus subtilis Probiotics Modulate TNF-α During Intense Training

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Athletes face immune dysregulation and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α due to intense training, leading to impaired recovery and performance, with existing probiotic supplementation showing mixed results on exercise performance and resistance training adaptations.

Innovation Solution

Daily supplementation with Bacillus subtilis DE111, a specific probiotic strain, in doses ranging from 1×10^8 CFU to 1×10^11 CFU for 10-12 weeks, administered in conjunction with a resistance training program to reduce TNF-α levels and improve body composition and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If athletes engage in prolonged intense training, then physical performance and training adaptations are improved, but immune function deteriorates and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining adaptationsVSAvoidimmune function

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces probiotic supplementation as an intermediary substance that mediates between intense training stress and immune function maintenance. The probiotics act as a biological agent that can modulate the immune response, allowing athletes to maintain training intensity while protecting against immune suppression and inflammation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If athletes engage in prolonged intense training, then physical performance is improved, but circulating TNF-α levels increase impairing recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical performanceVSAvoidTNF-α levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of converting harm into benefit by using probiotics to transform the harmful effect of training-induced inflammation into a beneficial outcome. The probiotics modulate the immune response in a way that converts the harmful TNF-α surge into a controlled inflammatory response that still allows training adaptation while protecting against excessive inflammation and immune suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If existing probiotic supplementation is used, then immune function may be supported, but exercise performance and resistance training adaptations show mixed results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune functionVSAvoidtraining adaptations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing specific parameters of probiotic supplementation including the bacterial strain selection, dosage timing relative to exercise, and duration of supplementation. These parameter optimizations are designed to simultaneously improve immune function support and enhance training adaptations, resolving the mixed results seen with existing probiotic protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240075078A1Bacillus subtilis probiotics and methods of use for improving immune function, hormonal status, and physical performance

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 DEERLAND ENZYMES

AI summary

Methods of using Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to promote lower circulating TNF-α in resistance trained males are presented. Methods of administering Bacillus subtilis probiotic supplementation to an athletic population in conjunction with a sound nutrition and training regimen are presented herein. College athletes typically undergo periods of elevated stress both physically and mentally which may negatively affect recovery and adaptation. 12-weeks of probiotic supplementation resulted in attenuated circulating TNF-α concentrations in college athletes following offseason training.